Australia to receive 27 new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks from the US.

As reported by Ronkainen on June 23, 2024, a freight train was spotted traveling through Oxnard, California, transporting a cargo of 27 M1A2 Abrams tanks. These tanks, en route to Port Hueneme, California, are the Australian version of the M1A2 SEPv3, designated for the Australian Army. They are identifiable by their unique AusCam camouflage and red kangaroo insignia. Additionally, the Australian M1A2 SEPv3s have raised antenna brackets on both rear sides of the turret, indicating potential compatibility with L3Harris antennas similar to the Polish variant of the M1A2.
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The Australian version of the M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tank is identifiable by its unique AusCam camouflage and red kangaroo insignia. (Picture source: Ronkainen)

This delivery is part of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) approved on April 29, 2021, by the US State Department to the Government of Australia. This sale, valued at an estimated $1.685 billion, includes heavy armored combat systems produced using 160 M1A1 tank structures and hulls from stock. Specifically, the package comprises 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and 53 Abrams-based armored engineering and support vehicles: 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles, 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, and six M88A2 Hercules Combat Recovery Vehicles.

The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams is the latest upgrade in the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank series, incorporating several modern systems. It features increased power generation and distribution capabilities, enhanced communications and networking, a new Vehicle Health Management System (VHMS), and Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs) for improved maintenance. The tank also includes an Ammunition DataLink (ADL) for airburst rounds, improved counter-IED armor, a Next Generation Armor Package (NGAP), and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to power electronics while stationary. Visually, it can be identified by a small exhaust at the left rear. Furthermore, the SEPv3 model has enhanced ballistic protection, including Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) mountings and the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), which protects against incoming projectiles.

The M1A2 SEPv3 is armed with a 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon capable of firing advanced kinetic energy rounds and multi-purpose rounds, with an effective range of up to 4,000 meters. It also features a coaxially mounted 7.62mm M240 machine gun and a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) with a 12.7mm machine gun. The tank's fire control system, which includes improved forward-looking infrared (IFLIR) sensors, enhances its target acquisition and engagement capabilities. For protection, it employs advanced composite armor and reactive armor, and can be fitted with slat armor. The Trophy APS further enhances its survivability by neutralizing incoming projectiles such as rockets and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

The propulsion system of the M1A2 SEPv3 includes a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which allows for a top speed of 67 kilometers per hour and an operational range of 426 kilometers. In terms of dimensions, the tank measures 9.7 meters in length, 3.7 meters in width, and 2.4 meters in height, with a combat weight of approximately 68 metric tons. The crew of the M1A2 SEPv3 comprises four personnel: a driver, commander, gunner, and loader.

The M1A2 SEPv3 has been procured by several countries through the Foreign Military Sales program. Poland, for instance, purchased 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, along with counter-IED systems, recovery vehicles, and training equipment, in a deal worth around $6 billion. Romania also acquired 54 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks and other military vehicles in a transaction valued at $2.53 billion, aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities and supporting NATO operations. In addition to these countries, the Government of Bahrain recently requested to purchase 50 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks as part of a $2.2 billion FMS package, which includes various armored engineering and support vehicles.

The M1A2 Abrams has already demonstrated its capabilities on Australian soil during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, thanks to the US Army. (Picture source: Australian MoD)